Please e-mail all calendar briefs to calendar@themeridianstar.com. Calendar items are listed by date and it may take a while before an event submitted weeks in advance appears in the paper.

F.Y.I.

• The Meridian Civitan Club has begun its annual Claxton Fruit Cake sales campaign. The one-pound cakes are priced at $4 per pound and are available at Meridian Mutual FCU, 1st Mississippi FCU, MUNA FCU, Citizens National Bank, BankPlus, Great Southern National Bank and First State Bank.

• The veterans food pantry is still open to all honorably discharged veterans and widows of veterans at the DAV Bldg. 4101 19th St. Open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. POC Patti Lindner at 601-485-1813.

• The Multi-County Community Service Agency, Inc. provides transportation to Fresenius Dialysis on Highway 39 in Meridian and transportation to MIDD on College Drive in Meridian, Monday-Saturday from 5:30 a.m.-5 p.m. FMI: Please contact Delphine Gaines, Transportation Coordinator, at 601-934-1911 Cell; 601-485-1214 Office; or 601-483-4838 Leave a message.

• Eden Foundation, an outreach to the community. The crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day 601-453-4946.

• Lauderdale County Veteran Service Office at 1827 23rd Ave. is open from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 8-11 a.m. on Friday. Call for appointment. Walk-ins welcome. FMI: Jesse Barnett 601-482-9811.

• Lunch Bunch AA meets at Firehouse, 3753 19th St. Monday-Saturday, 12:15-12:45 p.m.

• VFW Post 79 – Hours of operation are Saturday 1-11 p.m. Monthly Post members meetings are every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. along with the VFW Auxiliary. Saturday’s 8-11 p.m. we host our weekly Dance. The present band is Southern Fried. We also want to announce that we do rent our facility for wedding’s, birthday parties, anniversaries, etc. Rental fees: $250 plus $45 clean up fee for main hall and $75 plus $45 clean up fee for the Auxiliary room. We also have a large outdoor area with a covered grilling gazebo with wood burning grills. FMI: Michael Alexander Commander at Post, 601-485-4042, or cell, 601-604-1496 and Steven Vinet Adjutant/Quartermaster at Post, 601-485-4042 or cell, 601-490-5997.

• Happy Hour AA meets at Firehouse daily from 5:30-6:30, 3753 19th St.

• Big Book AA meets at Alliance, 5000 Highway 39 North Sunday-Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Friday/Sunday, 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Friday/Saturday from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

• Quitman Serenity AA meets Tuesday/Thursday 7-8 p.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday at 205 Kirkland Drive.

Weekly:

Monday

• Noon – The Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at noon in the Rush Hospital Private Dining Room on the third floor.

• 12:15 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 5:30-8 p.m. – Civil Air Patrol MS 102 Composite Squadron at Key Field ANG Base. FMI: georgetpurvis@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/montgomerycompositesquadron.

• 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, GriefShare support group meets at NorthPark Church, 7770 Highway 39 North. FMI: 601-482-1322 or www.facebook.com/northparkchurch.net.

Tuesday

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Civitan Club meets in the Rush Hospital Private Dining Room. (except every fifth Tuesday), FMI: 601-938-6409.

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Exchange Club meets at Red Lobster. FMI: 601-479-3954.

• 12 p.m. – Meridian Downtown Optimist Club meets at Western Sizzlin’. FMI: 601-693-2336.

• 12:45 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 12-1 p.m., Tuesdays, Refuge Christian Recovery, a meeting for women whose loved ones suffer from alcohol and drugs, meets at First Presbyterian Church, Founders Room, 905 23rd Ave. FMI: Charlie 601-917-6277.

• 5:30 p.m. Rotary Club of East Mississippi – Meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at The Daily Grind.

• 5-6:30 p.m. – NAMI Meridian would like to invite any adult diagnosed with a mental illness to join the Connection Support Group at the Wesley House Community Center, 1520 8th Ave. NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness and is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting those living with mental illness and their families. A Family Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the same time and place. FMI: Call 601-917-1474 or 601-527-3734. NAMI Meridian Affiliate’s email address is namimeridian@gmail.com and mailing address is PO Box 8563, Meridian, MS 39303.

• 5:30-6:30 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday, Al-Anon meetings at Firehouse, 3753 19th St.

• 6 p.m. – Hope, Prayer, and Diabetes Support Group meets the first Tuesday of every month in the private dining room in the cafeteria (window seat) at Rush Foundation Hospital. FMI: Contact Debbie Lane at 601-703-9681.

• 6:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of the month, Disabled American Veterans Ch. 56 meets at 4101 19th St. Food pantry available 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday. FMI: Commander Dan Ward 601-485-1813.

Thursday

• 11:30 a.m. – Meridian Lions Club meets at Rush Hospital Cafeteria. FMI: 662-693-1103.

• 12:45 p.m. – The Queen City Duplicate Bridge Club meets every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at the Meridian Activity Center. FMI: 601-479-4925.

• 6 p.m. – Thursday Vino and Van Gogh meet at the Meridian Museum of Art. FMI: 601-693-1501.

• 5:30 p.m., 2nd Thursday of the month, American Legion Post 257 meets at Temple Theater Ballroom. Fellowship followed by a meeting of both the Legion and Auxiliary. FMI: David Sloan 601-481-3949.

• 6 p.m. – VFW Post #79 Men’s and Lady’s Auxiliary meets the 2nd Thursday of each month. FMI: 601-701-6706.

Friday

• Longino Center Dance, Pecan Ave. behind Longino Fire Department in Philadelphia, open every Friday/Saturday night from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. Admission $8. Live music, free cokes/water, family atmosphere. FMI: Sam 601-728-0313.

Daily:

Tuesday, Nov. 13

• 10 a.m. – Baby-Toddler Fall Leaf Popsicle Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 11:30-1 p.m. – The Meridian Civitan Club will meet at Rush Foundation Hospital, 3rd Floor Private Dining Room.

• 5:30-8:30 – Exhibits After Hours at The Max for members. This evening, the classroom will be open for a family make + take session.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

• 10 a.m. – Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for Jimmy John’s 107 US 11.

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) Pumpkin Door Hangers at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 15

• 7-9 p.m. – Fall Film Series: The Ponder Heart at The Max. $5 suggested donation – free for members. Based on the novel by Eudora Welty, the Ponder Heart is set in fictional rural Clay County, home to the Ponders, the richest family in the county.

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Thanksgiving Pilgrim Paper Doll Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Genealogy meets from 2-3 p.m.

• 5:30-7 p.m. – East Mississippi Realtors presents Home Buying 101 – free to the public at 4927 Hwy. 493 (next to Mugshots). They will include a realtor, an attorney, a loan officer, home inspector, an appraiser, and a termite inspector. Registration is required due to limited seating.

• 6-8 p.m. – Opening Gala – Trees of Christmas at Merrehope celebrating 50 fabulous years decked out in its finest holiday attire including special memories and futuristic creations. ($20 per person). Guided tours: Nov.15-Dec.29 ($10 per person). Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 1-5 p.m. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 6 p.m. – The International Singing Brakeman Association (TISBA) Hospitality Night will be at The Red Roof Inn, Suite B, located at 2219 South Frontage Rd. Please bring a dish to share. We will eat at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person. FMI: Glyn Jones, 601-581-1601. FMI: 601-485-7113.

• 6:30 p.m. – Let’s Talk Meridian will hold its community-wide Thanksgiving service at First Christian Church, 1301 23rd Ave. A Mass Choir from area churches will sing as part of the service. A reception will follow the service. Everyone is invited. FMI: Contact First Christian Church at 601-693-1425.

Friday, Nov. 16

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Trees of Christmas at Merrehope celebrating 50 fabulous years decked out in its finest holiday attire including special memories and futuristic creations. Guided tours: Nov.15-Dec.29 ($10 per person). Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 1-5 p.m. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 9 a.m.-7 p.m. – 37th annual Handworks Holiday Market 2018, at 1200 High St., Jackson. Over 140 vendors with handmade gifts; Christmas decor; gourmet foods.

Saturday, Nov. 17

• All day event – 6th Annual Miss Merry Meridian Pageant at MSU Meridian Kahlmus Auditorium. FMI: randallfamily4@comcast.net or 601-481-5712.

• 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – Tis the Season Market at the Neshoba County Coliseum, 12000 Hwy. 15N, Philadelphia.

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – 37th annual holiday market the Handworks Holiday Market 2018, at 1200 High St., Jackson. Over 140 vendors with handmade gifts; Christmas decor; gourmet foods.

• 9 a.m. – A Day in the Country” & Car Show at Causeyville Fire Department, 6137 Causeyville Rd. Live music, pulled pork plates, hamburgers, peanuts, baked goods, car show, vendor booths and fun for the kids.

• 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Merry Meridian Market at the MSU Riley Center – Celebrate the festive season with homemade crafts, food items, beautiful gifts and more. Free admission.

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Trees of Christmas at Merrehope celebrating 50 fabulous years decked out in its finest holiday attire including special memories and futuristic creations. Guided tours: Nov.15-Dec.29 ($10 per person). Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, 1-5 p.m. FMI: 601-483-8439.

• 7 p.m. – Come Together event at the Neshoba Baptist Center on Valley View Dr. in Philadelphia. Entertainment by Amber Holley and Shay Bryan with guest speaker Marie Davis. Bring a poster or picture of your loved one with a white candle. Preachers will be available for those who need comforting.

• 7 p.m. – A benefit to help build “A Home For Tyler” will be held at the Temple Theatre in Meridian. Your $10 ticket includes the Meet and Greet in the Temple Ballroom from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Entertainers for the show include Mississippi Chris Sharp and Piper with special guest Daniel Wile, Rock Killough, Clear Blue Sky, Gypsy Carns, Kenny Suire, Betty Hopper, Reid Vaughn. all proceeds benefit “A Home For Tyler.” 601-693-5353 for tickets.

Sunday, Nov. 18

• 3 p.m. – The Mount Calvary M.B. Church will have its annual Harvest Tea Program with guest speaker the Rev. Tommie J. Ruffin, pastor of the Little Rock AME Church of Quitman.

• 6 p.m. – Meridian Community College’s Gospel Choir will present its Fall Concert in the MCC-Riley Workforce Development Center. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. The group is under the direction of Rev. Scotty Cole.

Monday, Nov. 19

• 11 a.m. – Adult Dominoes and Donuts at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 7-10 p.m. – The Office Girls – The Play at the historic Temple Theatre.

Tuesday, Nov. 20

• 10 a.m. – Baby/Toddler Thanksgiving Craft at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

• 7 p.m. – Ballet Magnificat! presents the Snow Queen at the Temple Theatre. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 31 in the Temple Theatre Lobby, Monday-Friday – 10 a.m.-2 p.m. only. FMI: 601-693-5353 or Ken Rainey at 601-934-1033.

• 6:30 p.m. – The next meeting of the DAV/DAVA Chapter 56 will be held at Highland Park. We will have subs from Subway – all will be asked to contribute to cost. Please bring chips and dip, also desserts along with something to drink. The meeting will follow at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 21

• 3 p.m. – Movie Day for all ages at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Saturday, Nov. 24

• 3:30 p.m. – Friends will gather at Sandy Ridge Bluegrass Park for a day of fellowship, food, pickin’, and grinnin’. Bring a covered dish for supper at 6 p.m. then hang around for some bluegrass music with possible banjo, mandolin, guitar, and fiddle players. FMI: 601-644-3701. Admission is free. Clarkdale School first road to the right, go down 3 or 4 miles CR 358.

• 4-9 p.m. – KCS Holiday Express Christmas Train is back and be stopping by Meridian Union Station. The six-car train will bring Santa Claus for a visit with kids and offer visual displays inside and out for young and old alike. Free and open to the public.

Sunday, Nov. 25

• 4 p.m. – The KCS Christmas Train is back and will be stopping by Newton for a night of fun for all at the railroad junction on W. Church Street. The six-car train will bring Santa Claus for a visit with kids and offer visual displays inside and out for young and old alike. Free and open to the public.

Monday, Nov. 26

• 11 a.m. – Adult DIY Dream Catchers at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Tuesday, Nov. 27

• 10 am. – Baby/Toddler STEM Building Block at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Chess Club meets at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 28

• 4:30 p.m. – Young Adults (7th-12th Grade) STEM (Glow in the Dark Volcano) at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

Thursday, Nov. 29

• 4:30 p.m. – K-6th Grade Presentation by Kay Wolfe at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library.

• 6 p.m. – Newton’s Annual Christmas Parade themed “Once Upon a Christmas” will begin at 6 p.m. Registration for the Christmas Parade will open on Nov 2.

Friday, Nov. 30

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. – The Market Beautiful at Kampers Aly in Laurel, $10, that ticket is good for Saturday also. Come and kick off the Christmas season with Erin and Ben Napier from HGTV’s Home Town. Napiers will just be there on Friday. Vintage shopping, food, drinks, kids activities, workshops, an on-stage talk with Erin and Ben followed by a meet-and-greet and a chance to get a copy of their new book signed.

Saturday, Dec. 1

• 10 a.m. – 8th Annual Bikers United For Children Toy Run starting at Hilton Garden Inn/Northeast Conference Center, 111 US Hwy. 11/80 off I-20/I-59 Exit 154, Meridian. Donations go to Wesley House. Cost-Donation of 1 new toy per participant. KSU at 1 p.m. FMI: 601-479-5709.

• The 9th Annual WhistleStop Marketplace housed inside the Historic Newton Depot. Come shop till you drop. Vendor applications are available on our website: www.newtonchamberms.com.

• 11 a.m.-5 p.m – The Market Beautiful at Kampers Aly in Laurel. Pancake breakfast and Christmas parade.

• 3 p.m. – Together for Christmas Tour Jonathan Wilburn and The LeFevre Quartet at the historic Temple Theatre. Order 24/7 at 800-965-9324.

• 5:30 p.m. – Experience the magic of the season as the City of Meridian presents “Christmas in the City,” holiday parade. FMI: 601-485-1998.

Thursday, Dec. 6

• 5 p.m. – The Meridian Chapter of Miss. Valley State Alumni will have it “Thanksgiving Alumni Round-Up Dinner” at Western Sizzlin. FMI: 601-350-0255.

• 7:30 p.m. – Diamond Rio Holiday & Hits at the MSU Riley Center. Tickets $52, $46. For fans of Sawyer Brown, Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band.

Saturday, Dec. 8

• 9 a.m. – A Prayer Breakfast, hosted by Reflection of Life will be held at the Rush Hospital Private Dining Room with guest speaker Chaplin Dual. Tickets are $10 to assist children with GPA.

• 6 p.m. – A Fashion Show, hosted by Reflection of Life will be held at The Tommy E. Dulaney Center – Meridian Community College, doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to assist children with GPA.

Thursday, Dec. 20

• Brown Bag Lunch featuring The MAX’s own Aaron Windham on classical guitar. Free and open to the public at The MAX.

Friday, Jan. 11

• 7 p.m. – Diary of a Worm, A Spider & A Fly at the MSU Riley Center, Dallas Children’s Theatre. Tickets $20, $12. For fans of Doreen Cronin’s Bug Diaries books, children’s theatre, bugs.

Tuesday, Jan. 29

• 7:30 p.m. – Ballet Hispanico at the MSU Riley Center. Tickets $39, $33. For fans of Latin music, salsa dancing, modern dance.